Foreign-owned businesses accounted for almost two-thirds (65%) of the value of all imports by major Australian-based importers in 2002–03, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Foreign-owned businesses also accounted for almost half (49%) of the value of all exports by major Australian-based exporters.

United Kingdom (UK) owned exporters based in Australia undertook 17% of goods exports, but represented only 4% of the number of major goods exporting businesses. UK-owned importers undertook 10% of goods imports and made up 3% of major goods importing businesses.

United States (US) owned businesses based in Australia undertook 14% of goods exports and represented 12% of major goods exporting businesses. US-owned businesses undertook 22% of goods imports, and represented 9% of major goods importing businesses.

Approximately two-thirds (66%) of the number of major importers of services (e.g. communications and business services) were foreign-owned in 2002–03.

Over half (54%) of the number of Australian-based major exporters of services were foreign-owned.

The study was an initiative by the ABS to improve globalisation statistics for Australia.

Further information is in Foreign Ownership of Australian Exporters and Importers (cat. no. 5496.0.55.001), available on this site.

Media note:

Major exporters and importers are businesses that export or import over $1 million in goods and services annually.